Microsoft, Apple Face Patent Lawsuit

It's not Acacia this time, but a UK company known as BTG, who's throwing the legal punches in a battle over the use of automatic web update services. And unlike Acacia, BTG is not bullying up on smaller companies in hopes of building a war chest for future litigation, but going straight after the heavy-hitters of the personal computer world: Microsoft and Apple.

BTG is the exclusive worldwide licensee for patent number 6,557,054, which is owned by Teleshuttle Technologies, whose president and founder, Richard Reisman invented the process leading to the patent.

BTG claims that the patent (which was granted on April 29th, 2003 after a review of the claim originally filed early in the 1990's), is being unfairly infringed on by Microsoft, through its operating systems, and through the Microsoft Office software.

Unable to reach a commercial licensing agreement with the software giants for their use of the technology, BTG has filed suit in a Northern District of California Federal Court, seeking unspecified damages and an injunction which would bar future use.

Neither Apple or Microsoft have commented on the patent which covers a "Method and system for distributing updates by presenting directory of software available for user installation that is not already installed on user station."

It's not just Microsoft and Apple who have to watch out for BTG, as this patent could apply to many products and services like anti-virus systems that update their software via the Internet.

And there are other patent infringement claims from BTG, who is also seeking unspecified damages and an injunction against further use against Microsoft over claims resulting from Microsoft's active desktop and offline browsing systems, which apparently infringe due to their use of cookies, pre-fetching content for a seemingly faster browsing experience, and other claimed infractions.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Canadian Senator Revives Push for National AV Law

Sen. Julie Miville-Dechêne, whose previous multiple attempts to legislate national age verification requirements all failed, has introduced a new bill that would impose fines of up to $500,000 on adult sites that do not implement age verification for Canadian viewers.

FSC Submits Statement to House Committee in Support of FIRM Act

Free Speech Coalition has announced that it submitted a statement to the House Financial Services Committee in support of the Financial Integrity and Regulation Management (FIRM) Act.The announcement follows:

Plaiir Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

Plaiir has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Trump Tariffs Remain in Effect Pending Appeal of Trade Court Ruling

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Thursday stayed an injunction by the U.S. Court of International Trade, delaying the trade court’s order blocking the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs, which have significantly impacted the pleasure industry.

FSC Issues Guidance on Kansas Age Verification Suits

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an advisory article for adult websites operating in Kansas, following several private lawsuits filed under the state's age verification law.

Reese Rideout Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Newly crowned XMA Creator Awards Male Clip Artist of the Year Reese Rideout has relaunched his website DrRideout.com through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Pineapple Support, SextPanther to Host 'Holistic PTSD' Support Group

Pineapple Support and SextPanther are hosting a free online support group for performers suffering from PTSD.

Fanblast Taps Nicholas H. for VP of Sales

Nicholas H. has joined Fanblast as its new vice president of sales.

Aylo, Old Pros Launch 'Sex Work and Human Trafficking' Online Panel Series

Aylo has teamed up with sex worker support organization Old Pros to launch “Sex Work and Human Trafficking,” an online community panel series aimed at educating performers and creators on preventing trafficking and exploitation, which takes place at 6 p.m. (EDT) on Thursday, May 29.

EU Investigating 4 Adult Sites for 'Suspected Breaches' of DSA

The European Commission has initiated formal proceedings against Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX and XVideos for “suspected breaches” of the Digital Services Act (DSA), the Commission announced in a statement Monday.

Show More